This is a big buzz word in Churches these days. What does it even mean? Well, I think different things for different people. Here are some examples:
- Some feel, ‘disconnected’ from others in the church because they can’t seem to ‘break in’ to a pre-established group (whether real or perceived).
- Others feel ‘disconnected’ because the church has grown and they wonder where they fit in given the ever changing size of the place.
- Still more feel ‘disconnected’ because they weren’t there in the early days of blood, sweat and tears. They don’t share the same stories with those who started the church. Incidentally, those who start a growing work can contribute to this unknowingly with a sense of possessiveness and haughtiness about their elevated status. They need to be careful not to act this way.
- Then there are those who perhaps started a ministry within the church, or were involved from the ground floor, who see the ministry outgrow their gifts (I’ve experienced this myself with music and counseling) . At that point they have a decision to make—fight for their ‘turf’ or seek the Lord for where else they can serve Him.
- Sometimes people find a small group (we call’m ‘Lifegroups) that fits for a season but then, well, doesn’t. Maybe people move out of state, maybe some new folks aren’t as good a fit—could be any number of reasons. The point is, they can stay and feel ‘disconnected’, or seek to reconnect in another group.
- Sometimes the methods the church uses to reach the lost can change (although the ‘message’ better not change!) and there is a ‘disconnect’ with the ‘new fangled method.’
- Sometimes the leadership can feel ‘disconnected’ and it spreads throughout.
- There can even be those who are connected perfectly who find that some of their friends feel ‘disconnected.’ If the connectors are not careful they can find themselves in the middle of the dull-drums with the ‘disconnected’ and not even know how it happened.
- Sometimes the ‘disconnected’ recruit the connected.
- Sometimes it’s the other way around (which is the biblical way).
- Maybe a pattern of church shopping and hopping has become the norm and without even realizing it, individuals are on an endless quest to find the perfect church.
- People can take up the offense of another and all of the sudden they find themselves feeling ‘disconnected’ and unhappy with a church they were perfectly fine with just weeks earlier.
- Let’s face it, the church just might be doing a lousy job of connecting people—therefore, many feel ‘disconnected.’ We’ve certainly been through seasons where that was the case at Southbrook.
- Some people move from church to church to church and never quite feel, connected. The problem may be found in the last place most of us looks…the mirror. Seek the Lord and possibly the wisdom of other godly people you trust to learn how to connect with others better.
I really could go on and on. It seems there are as many ways to disconnect as there are to connect at churches these days. That’s why it’s important to strive to stay connected. That’s right—being connected in a body of believers is our own responsibility. The Lord will help, but it’s a partnership—not a lottery. God works with us to bring about our sanctification. It doesn’t happen by osmosis. Right now I am going through the book of Ephesians in my personal time with the Lord and I love what Ephesians 4:1–7 says in The Message…
“…here’s what I want you to do. While I’m locked up here, a prisoner for the Master, I want you to get out there and walk—better yet, run!—on the road God called you to travel. I don’t want any of you sitting around on your hands. I don’t want anyone strolling off, down some path that goes nowhere. And mark that you do this with humility and discipline—not in fits and starts, but steadily, pouring yourselves out for each other in acts of love, alert at noticing differences and quick at mending fences.
4-6You were all called to travel on the same road and in the same direction, so stay together, both outwardly and inwardly. You have one Master, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who rules over all, works through all, and is present in all. Everything you are and think and do is permeated with Oneness.”
Being connected is huge. In my next post I will share with you all some ways we try to help folks connect at Southbrook Church.
Talk to you tomorrow.